Tom Murphy, July 26, 2007
Mind boggling. That’s about the only way to view professional cycling’s continued frustration in ending drug use in the sport. Unlike American baseball, where suspected drug users like Barry Bonds are widely hailed as heroes, mere potential for scandal is enough to send a rider – any rider – home from a major cycling race like the Tour de France. That’s exactly what happened to Alexandre Vinokourov when there was an allegation that he denied that he received an improper blood transfusion. At one point, he’d been considered the favorite to win this year’s tour. It happened again Wednesday when Michael Rasmussen, the race leader and likely winner, was sent home for failing to report his whereabouts for possible testing during last winter’s training season. He wasn’t accused of misusing drugs. He just failed to let testing officials know exactly where he was. That was enough. Home he went. It was an ugly situation, but it said loudly and clearly that cycling will not tolerate even the possibility of drug abuse. It’s too bad baseball can’t say that.
Jennifer Meacham, July 15, 2007
Skin Deep: Costs and Risks of Cosmetic Surgery takes a bare look at the prices boomers are paying to freshen up. One person interviewed by RedwoodAge.com borrowed $14,000 on her time-payment credit card to get the tummy-and-eye tuck on her wish list. I personally have nothing against cosmetic surgery. I may have it as I age; I may not. But I worry about trending toward paying off these surgeries through credit. Credit card debt has its risks. I’ve seen several credit card contracts where, built into the fine print, the issuer legally has the right to raise your interest rate – even past state usury limits – if you’re late with any other bill in your household. They’ll likely lower the interest after you’ve made a few calls to talk to their supervisors. However, it’s just one more thing to consider when borrowing money, for anything, from a credit card company. Before you consider cosmetic surgery, it’s important to first figure out which "bottom line" is most important.
Jennifer Meacham, June 30, 2007
When you’re taking a flight, remember to get up and move around. That’s the recommendation from the World Health Organization in RedwoodAge.com’s “Air Travelers Should Exercise Legs.” But as someone with a family history of blood clotting disorders, I hope you’ll put this news into perspective. It’s the non-movement – not the flight – that could cause a clot. That means whether you’re sitting down to work, taking a road trip, or lounging after a long day’s work, you’ll want to remember the World Health Organization’s warning. Get up, get moving at 15-minute intervals, elevate your legs for at least 10 minutes per day, take a couple of aspirin if you’re feeling any muscle discomfort, and regularly consume foods that help alleviate blood clotting such as beets, red wine, salmon and natto (a cheese-like Japanese soybean dish). Even if clotting doesn’t run in the family, the benefits you’ll receive from following these simply tips can put you on the road to good health.
Cecily O’Connor, June 12, 2007
Are researchers close to a Alzheimer’s breakthrough? A new generation of experimental drugs will soon be tested to combat the brain-withering disease. The treatments aren’t what I expected; they include a milkshake-style medicine and a Russian antihistamine that can halt the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms. Final trials on many of these drugs get underway either later this year, or in 2008, offering new clues to a baffling disease and a glimmer of hope to baby boomers as they age. I wish some of these clues were present 10 years ago when my grandfather began showing signs of early dementia to, if anything, alleviate his confusion about where he was at times, or why his late wife wasn’t near him. That was beyond difficult for him. Although, I think he would have liked the milkshake drug, for no matter how fragile his memory became, he never forgot to have dessert.
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